Used 2016 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab Consumer Reviews
G3 Update really just a failed G2.5
Bought this 'full redesign' '16 Tacoma Ltd 4x4 in September of 2015 after my friend, a fleet manager at a Toyota dealership, told me how great it was going to be. We had a 5 year old FJ Cruiser and, although we loved it, we needed a truck and the full size would not fit in out garage. I 'liked' the G2 Tacoma; however, felt it was somewhat outdated and was impressed by what Toyota was doing by supposedly changing much about the truck, including the engine and trans. Unfortunately, I was extremely disappointed in both the truck and in Toyota Customer Service, and my dealer. Soon after buying, I took the truck on two long trips and found out that a buzzy vibration in the steering wheel, floorboard area, and gas pedal at 2100-2400 RPMs, put my hands and lower arms, up to my elbow, to sleep, which I felt was a major safety problem. I reported this to my dealer, and the mechanic said he felt it but that there was nothing they could do at this point. I complained directly to Toyota, who had me bring them the truck for two engineers to check it out. They felt the vibration; however, when I got the letter from Toyota, it said that "the steering functions as designed" and the investigation was closed. When I reported back to my dealer (from whom I've purchased numerous vehicles, including referring many sales to them, too) they just shrugged and said that unless Toyota comes up with a fix, there was nothing they could do for me (on a $41K+ truck, no less!). Besides the vibration issue, there was a problem with the new engine and trans combo. Shifting on the new A/T was horrible and the engine had to be pushed to get any performance out of it at all, kind of like an old 2 stroke engine that needed high revs to get into a power band. Cruise control would downshift quickly, then never upshift at all unless you tapped on the gas, making it useless. All of my comments were met with : 'Functions as designed'. I could never get even 20mpg out of the vehicle, even on the highway. My FJ Cruiser was a much better vehicle, smooth, quieter, shifted easily, more comfortable, and regularly got me 21-22mpg on the highway at speed. I regretted trading it in for this much inferior truck, and wish I would have just bought a Gen 2. After fighting with both Toyota and my dealership for 9 months (and being relegated to just using the truck for local driving due to the buzziness), my wife and I just traded it in for a different truck, one that doesn't buzz, is more comfortable, handles better, and gets good mileage. I hated having to take a several thousand dollar loss on a new purchase like this; however, IMO, this 'upgrade' was a total failure on Toyota's part. A month later, I'm glad I got rid of it. Never thought I'd ever say this about a Toyota.....but it appears to me that these are selling on the fine reputation of the G2. I would stay away until Toyota can figure this one out and get it fixed. (Note: a master mechanic with 30+ years experience at the dealership pointed out that the 3.5 came from Lexus; however, thinks the problem is the Taco used hard rubber engine mounts and the Lexus uses hydraulically controlled oil-filled mounts. He also noted that the Taco has a single exhaust header piece and the Lexus uses a multi-piece system. This is where he felt the issue with the vibes was. He also pointed out that the trans was "over-programmed to get you better mileage, and a re-programming would fix that issue." When I asked him about any pipeline fixes, he responded that Toyota has been 'hinting' at them for over 6 months; however, nothing had yet been done. He thinks that as long as the truck sells well, they won't do a thing. ) This truck does have potential; however, it is just not ready for prime time. Buyer, beware. UPDATE: I got tired of Toyota stating "functions as designed", and traded it in for a new Honda Ridgeline. Even though I lost almost $6K, it was the best decision to make. Unlike the Taco, this RL is smooth, quiet, handles better, has better tech, and gets me 25-28 on the highway and 20 around town, and is a great hauler, to boot. We also had an issue with a falling headliner on our '13 Avalon. Toyota (and the dealer) didn't want to help, even though it had been a service bulletin a few years ago. Hot-glued up the headliner and traded that car in, too, and the wife bought herself an Acura. After years as a Toyota family, we are now Toyota free and will not buy their product ever again. Their quality has just tanked, along with their customer service.
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Terrible Seats!
Went to the Toyota Dealership to purchase a Tacoma. Love the looks of the redesign and was ready to but. Test drive lasted 30 seconds. Drivers sea is extremely uncomfortable. Can't imagine sitting in it for more than 15 minutes without experiencing significant back and leg pain. I'm 6'2" 220 lbs. The seat cushion is stationary and does not ratchet up or tilt back. Also the thigh support is none existent! Shame.
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- SR5 Double CabMSRP: $25,990In-stock online
- TRD Sport Double CabMSRP: $28,990In-stock online
- TRD Sport Access CabMSRP: $27,590In-stock online
Warning to previous owners of Tacomas
The 2016 Tacoma will disappoint anyone that has owned an older V6 powered Tacoma. I have purchased a new Tacoma every 2 years since 1985. I currently still own 4 TRD 4x4s. They are all used for business. The 2016 has the worst engine, transmission, gear ratio of any Toyota I have driven. The power band/shift points leave this vehicle sluggish at best. On any incline in the road the transmission will shift continuously between 6th and 4th(1900rpm to 3400rpm at 75mph). The engine noise is significantly more noticeable than my 2014 which is a great vehicle. On flat ground the transmission shifts through the gears so quickly you find yourself always stepping harder on the throttle to keep the speed up. When you contact Toyota everyone at the dealership will deny they have heard of the problem. Toyota factory reps will admit they know of the issue but as of this date no fix. I would not recommend a 2016. Look for a 2014 or older. Update 08/15/2017. Toyota has a software update for the transmission shifting. You will have to find a service writer familiar with the update. (Most know nothing of it). The update makes the shifting problems better. Doesn't do anything for the noises engine. The truck also has a recall for a leaky rear differential which they do not have the parts to repair. I want my 2014 back.
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Missing Nemo!
I regret buying this truck... there are no real improvements in this truck compared to my 2005 Taco. I bought it on a whim. The cabin materials keep getting cheaper in quality. The steering will fatigue you after a while. It still has the drum brakes in the back. The engine is now a 3.5 ltr vs a 4.0 from previous years therefore the engine revs higher to make power. Getting my old truck back.
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I new what I was buying
I had to write a review after reading a lot of bad one star reviews by folks who did a test drive. First off the "power" issue is what it is. I have owned both the 2nd gen and now a 3rd gen Tacoma and off the line the 3rd gen seems alittle weaker, over all the 3rd will move when you get on the gas. I have averaged 20 mpgs on mine since day one and that is mostly winter time. Driver seat isn't as comfortable as it could be and if you are 6'3" this truck isn't for you. I also on a Current gen Tundra and it has nice leather seats. I bought the taco because it got better mpg than my tundra and cheaper operational cost. Ride and Handling is impressive. I don't plan on hauling heavy loads, mostly recreational equipment. This is a Mid size truck remember that if you want one. And to the guy who bought one and hates all the technology in it, why did you buy it. A lot of the technology is standard on most trucks today.
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